MEMBER CONNECTIONS
855-NEC-RD4U | necretail.com 855-NEC-RD4U | necretail.com
John L. Sims, NEC CEO
The Renewable Spirit
Through 2014, Nueces Electric Cooperative researched, and we continue to research, renewable energy and possible opportunities we can invest in to generate power outside of the traditional power plant model. We also researched how our members felt about renewable energy and we received overwhelming interest and response. At this point, NEC has not invested in a long-term renewable energy agreement outside of South Texas Electric Cooperative, STEC, our primary generation resource. We continue to look into options which do not have to be subsidized by members. What we also heard is that members are also asking for education. What is renewable energy, what are the options, cost, etc... In 2015, members will learn about our new education programs which will be offered to members as well as to the general community. But let’s start with a broad look at the nation’s cooperatives and the resources currently be utilized. Electric cooperatives across the country are actively expanding their fuel portfolios to include an array of renew18
able sources, including wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, manure and hydro. As of April 2014: • Nationwide, co-ops own and purchase over 5.9 GW of renewable capacity — in addition to roughly 10 GW of preference power contracts with federal hydroelectric facilities. • Co-ops own 1.1 GW of renewable capacity and have long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs) for over 4.8 GW. • Including federal hydropower, coops own or purchase over 10 percent of U.S. renewable capacity. • Currently, 95 percent of NRECA’s distribution members (794 out of 838) offer renewable options to 40 million Americans. • The IRS has approved $900 million in CREB allocations for cooperative renewable development.
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U.S. Electric Co-ops using any renewable energy source.
U.S. Electric Co-ops using Wind Energy.
U.S. Electric Co-ops using Solar Energy.
Nueces Electric Cooperative’s renewable content is 9.5% of the electricity we purchase as compared to the statewide average of 10.7%. Wind is our primary renewable resource followed closely by Hydroelectricity. Your voice is being heard and we will be sure to do our part to make you proud and provide a cost-effective, sustainable program.
Texas Co-op Power NEC Retail February 2015
U.S. Electric Co-ops using Hydroelectric Energy. www.necretail.com